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Magazine Issue

Business & Commercial Aviation, February 2015

VOL. 111 NO. 2 February 01, 2015

Update

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Bombardier Learjet 85

Jan 27, 2015
It appears the most ambitious Lear model ever is lapsing into a deep coma.

Viewpoint

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Two Scoops, Please

Feb 01, 2015
Business aviation can't compete with the posh treatment the world’s airlines can deliver, particularly those operating on long international routes.

Readers' Feedback

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Letters From Our Readers (February 2015)

Feb 01, 2015
Heading to the Chamber Great article on oxygen in B&CA. (It’s Not About Breathing, January 2015, page 34) You explained the subject so well that it…

DOM Notebook

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Aircraft Pressurization Systems — The Big Squeeze

Feb 01, 2015
Shortly after takeoff from Larnaca, Cyprus, at 9:07 a.m. on Aug. 14 2005, the flight crew of a Boeing 737 airliner bound for Athens, Greece, was alerted by the cabin altitude warning horn. Instead donning their emergency oxygen masks the crew began troubleshooting what they believed to be a system problem. Convinced that the problem was only with the indicating system, the crew called maintenance control to discuss the problem while completing their climb to assigned altitude.
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Hypoxia Awareness

Feb 01, 2015
Hypoxia is a silent killer and often pilots are unaware of their condition because lack of oxygen affects their judgment. Technicians who fly regularly or participate in pressurization system maintenance flights need to be prepared as well. To help increase awareness of the dangers of hypoxia, the military would use high-altitude pressure simulators to train pilots. Recent technological advances have introduced portable devices that simulate the high-altitude environment. Combined with software, hypoxia awareness can be taught just about anywhere.

Operations

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Circling Approach Survival Guide

Feb 17, 2015
If you fly circling approaches in the U.S. on a regular basis and train in a simulator, then you know that what you learn in the box has very little to do with what you need to do in the airplane. We all know the “Memphis Localizer Runway 27, Circle to Runway 18R” is not likely to happen in real life.
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Getting the Lead Out: The Future of Avgas

Feb 25, 2015
The Piston Aviation Fuel Initiative, a joint industry-government partnership, could result in a technically feasible and economically viable unleaded avgas.
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What About Auto Gas?

Feb 01, 2015
Whoa. Wait a minute. Stop the presses! Wasn’t unleaded automobile gasoline (so-called “pump gas”) approved for use in some engine/airframe combinations years ago, at least for the smaller piston engines, e.g., the Lycoming O-360 installed in thousands of Cessna 172s and other light planes?
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What About the Heavy Iron?

Feb 01, 2015
A small population of large (“heavy”) transport and vintage aircraft powered by commensurately large air-cooled radial and liquid-cooled inline piston engines remains active in the U.S. and abroad that cannot be operated on any fuel other than 100/115-octane leaded aviation gasoline.
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Lawsuit Against California FBOs Over Sale of Leaded Avgas Settled

Feb 01, 2015
As 2014 drew to an end, a lawsuit against a group of California FBOs and fuel distributors filed three years earlier by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) over sale of leaded avgas was settled through an agreement preventing what could have resulted in grounding almost all piston-powered aviation in the state.

Cause & Circumstance

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CFIT at the South Pole

Feb 02, 2015
Investigators from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board often do their on-scene investigations under difficult circumstances, but working in Antarctica can be just about as difficult as it gets. This month, we’ll look at the loss of a de Havilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter and its crew of three in a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accident on Mount Elizabeth, Antarctica. The airplane belonged to Kenn Borek Air Ltd. (KBAL).
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Accidents in Brief

Feb 02, 2015
Selected accidents and incidents from the NTSB database. The information is preliminary.

Safety

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Summary 2014 vs. 2013, Fatalities Down — But!!

Feb 02, 2015
The number of accidents in 2014, considering both U.S.-registered business jet and turboprop aircraft, decreased from 49 in 2013 to 38 as did fatal accidents 23 to 15, which decreased from 61 to 47. However, business jet accidents increased from 12 to 16 and fatalities 17 to 26 with a high percentage occurring in the corporate/executive pro-flown category where 19 fatalities occurred in three fatal accidents.
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High-Altitude Ice Crystal Icing

Feb 02, 2015
Many business jets have the capability to climb quickly into the mid-40 flight levels and cruise far above most weather. It can be tempting to sit back, enjoying the generally clear skies at these altitudes and taking relief that the weather below us can’t hurt us.
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Lessons to Learn From the Beechjet Dual-Engine Flameout

Feb 02, 2015
On Nov. 28, 2005, the flight crew of N691TA, a Raytheon Beechjet 400A en route from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to Marco Island Airport (MRK), Florida, had just commenced a descent to FL 330 from FL 380 when they heard a loud pop from the right engine followed 10 sec. later by a loud pop from the left engine. Cockpit power indications for both engines quickly decreased and the pilots stated that the rpm indications for both engines showed 0 rpm. That last part is interesting because one would assume and hope the engines would continue windmilling.
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Lessons from Past Mishaps

Feb 25, 2015
If pilots and flight departments don’t study accident, incident and air safety history, drilling down into the root causes of these events, they’re then destined to repeat the same errors.
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Recent Engine Failures Causing Renewed Concern

Feb 02, 2015
Even the latest generation turbofan engines have been affected by ice crystal icing, causing nine recent events on Boeing 747-800 and Boeing 787-800 aircraft. On Nov. 27, 2013, the FAA adopted a new Airworthiness Directive concerning ice crystal icing. It is aimed at the Boeing 747-800 series and 787-800 airplanes powered by GEnx engines. The AD was promoted by reports of engine damage and thrust loss events as a result of flying in high-altitude ice crystal icing conditions.

Interior Focus

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Super Seats

Feb 02, 2015
According to a 2013 study by Airbus, passengers cited lack of sleeping comfort, back ache, and leg ache as the top three factors for discomfort on long haul flights. They also said that seats that are too narrow would have a negative impact on their post flight well-being, impacting them with tiredness and sore muscles. Post flight well-being was of particular concern to business passengers who need to ensure they are able to perform in working environments.

Accident Free: Are You Lucky or Truly Safe?

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Lessons from Past Mishaps

Feb 01, 2015
Robert Breiling, head of the half-century-old Boca Raton, Florida, safety consulting firm that bears his name, just shakes his head when he reviews the causes of recent accidents and incidents. It’s the same story, different day.

Intelligence

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Passport Engine Well Underway

Feb 01, 2015
Development of Bombardier’s top-of-the-line Global 7000 and 8000 business jets seeing significant advances with flight testing of its all-new GE Passport engine now well underway. The engine maker planned to put the new powerplant through water ingestion and fan blade certification tests about now, just weeks after first flight, which occurred Dec. 30.
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NetJets New-Hire Class

Feb 01, 2015
Development of Bombardier’s top-of-the-line Global 7000 and 8000 business jets seeing significant advances with flight testing of its all-new GE Passport engine now well underway. The engine maker planned to put the new powerplant through water ingestion and fan blade certification tests about now, just weeks after first flight, which occurred Dec. 30.
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Hartzell Delivers 3,800 Props in 2014

Feb 01, 2015
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Jet-A and Avgas Per Gallon Fuel Prices January 2015

Feb 01, 2015
Jet-A RegionHighLowAverageEastern $8.50 $3.74 $6.04 New England $7.09 $3.72 $5.32 Great Lakes $7.74 $3.78 $5.32 Central $7.41 $3.79 $4.84 Southern $7.79 $4.14 $6.03 Southwest $6.71 $3.03 $5.14 N
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First Acclaim Type S Delivered

Feb 01, 2015
Mooney International has delivered the first M20TN Acclaim Type S aircraft to be issued a Chinese registration. The handover took place in December following reassembly in China of the aircraft, which was built and flight-tested in Kerrville, Texas, and then disassembled and shipped by sea. The formal delivery occurred just two weeks after Mooney received its Validation of Type Certificate (VTC) by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
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AVIC Sets Sights on Retro Market

Feb 01, 2015
Continental Motors Group has set sights on its new home market to retrofit diesel engines for China’s fleets of training aircraft. China’s AVIC International Holding Corp. acquired Mobile, Alabama-based Continental in 2011 and then went on to acquire the assets of German diesel aero-engine maker Thielert Aircraft Engines, now Technify Motors, as well, and place it under Continental’s banner.
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Triumph Group Takes Over Wing Work in Tulsa

Feb 01, 2015
Triumph Group has taken over production of Spirit Aerosystem’s money-losing Gulfstream G650 and G280 wing work in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The deal was effective Dec. 30. The business will operate as Triumph Aerostructures-Vought Aircraft Division-Tulsa and will be included in Triumph’s Aerostructures Group segment. Triumph received $160 million from Spirit in the transaction along with about $60-80 million in inventory, tooling, machinery, equipment and other assets needed to run the business.
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Embraer Deliveries Slightly Down

Feb 01, 2015
Embraer’s business jet deliveries were down by one in the last quarter of 2014 as compared to the same period a year earlier, and closed out the full year down slightly as well. The Brazilian manufacturer delivered 52 business jets in the 4Q14 and 116 executive jets — 92 light jets and 24 large models — for the year. That compares with 53 executive jets delivered in 4Q13 and 119 for that year. At the close of 2014, the company, which also manufacturers commercial, military and utility aircraft, reported an order backlog of $20.9 billion.
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First Citation M2 in Europe

Feb 01, 2015
Atlas Air Serviced delivered the first Cessna Citation M2 in Europe to Muller Co-Ax ag from Forchtenbert in Baden-Wurttemberg. The business jet landed at Bremen Airport after flying from Independence, Kansas. The M2 has a range of up to 1,300 nm which enables it to fly direct from Frankfurt to Moscow or Hamburg to Lisbon.
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Airbus Helicopters Fleet Surpasses 10 Million Flight Hours

Feb 01, 2015
The fleet of Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft in service for the oil and gas industry had accumulated more than 10 million flight hours as of the end of 2014. Of the estimated 2,300 rotorcraft used in oil and gas missions today, about 25% are produced by Airbus. In the Americas the company’s helicopters have accumulated more than 4.12 million flight hours, followed by Europe (3.27 million flight hours) and Asia (over 1.82 million flight hours).
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Growing Interest in Autonomous Aircraft

Feb 01, 2015
Growing interest from cargo operators in autonomous aircraft is leading a drive for single-pilot operation of freighters. That’s the observation by John Tracy, chief technology officer and senior vice president of Engineering, Operations and Technology at Boeing. And, he says, “Technologically the tool kit is filled.
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New Managing Editor for Weekly of Business Aviation

Feb 01, 2015
Veteran aviation journalist Molly McMillin has assumed the post of Managing Editor of Penton’s Weekly of Business Aviation and of business aviation content for the Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN). “I am thrilled to be able to continue serving the business aviation community I respect so much, in this newly expanded role,” McMillin said upon her appointment. She will continue to be based in Wichita, Kan., where she has spent most of her career.
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NetJets Europe Takes Lead in A3

Feb 01, 2015
NetJets Europe has taken the lead in a consortium of 15 companies called Advanced Approaches for all Airports (A3), which intends to demonstrate new approach and landing solutions to increase capacity within the continent’s airport network while reducing emissions, fuel burn and noise. The organization has been formed under the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) program.
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Garmin ADS-B Certified on G150

Feb 01, 2015
Garmin International says it received certification for its Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast equipment for the Gulfstream G150. The Garmin GTX 3000 Mode S Extended Squitter remote transponder and GDL 88 ADS-B datalink combine to fulfill the ADS-B requirements. The GTX 3000 and GDL 88 provides operators a seamless path to meet the demands of air traffic modernization initiatives around the world, Garmin said.
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Landmark’s Oakland Repair Station Approved

Feb 01, 2015
Landmark Aviation at Oakland International Airport has obtained authorization as a Part 145 Certified Repair Station. In addition to its FBO services, it now operates as a full-service MRO. It has added limited airframe, engine and accessories ratings to its offerings, which includes avionics services and a mobile on-demand aircraft-on-ground support team. The location serves the Bay Area and many parts of Northern California.
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Low Price of Oil Could Negatively Impact Commercial Aviation

Feb 01, 2015
Lower oil prices could give a boost to small general aviation aircraft, small and midsize business aircraft, fractional ownership companies and service providers if they are sustained, an aviation consultant says. On the flip side, cheaper oil may negatively impact the commercial aviation market. The lower end of the general aviation market, including piston aircraft and small and midsize business jets, could benefit from lower fuel prices and an improving economy, said Brian Foley of Brian Foley Associates, based in Sparta, N.J.
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FACC Approval for PW814/815 Bypass Duct Production

Feb 01, 2015
FACC AG received approval for series production of bypass ducts for Pratt & Whitney Canada PurePower PW814 and PW815 engines. FACC delivered the test articles to Pratt & Whitney Canada in Quebec in November, where they were assembled with the engine. On the PW800 program, FACC will deliver throughout the service life of the engine family and has a planned order volume of about $150 million. Gulfstream has selected the engines for its G500 and G600 business jets.
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PZL-Mielec, Sikorsky Bid on Poland’s Helicopter Program

Feb 01, 2015
Sikorsky has delivered its bid for Poland’s utility helicopter program, despite having earlier raised concerns about the requirements drawn up by Warsaw. The U.S. helicopter manufacturer, working in conjunction with its wholly owned Polish partner PZL-Mielec, delivered its bid for the $3 billion program by Dec. 30 along with competitors AgustaWestland and Airbus Helicopters.
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Eagle Copters Certifies Bell 407 Mod

Feb 01, 2015
Canadian helicopter engineering firm Eagle Copters has certified its modification to fit Honeywell’s HTS900 turboshaft engine into the Bell 407 single-engine helicopter. Eagle has been developing its HTS900 retrofit program, called the Eagle 407HP, since 2010, re-starting a project originally envisaged between Honeywell and Bell Helicopter back in the 1990s. According to Eagle, the two companies were not able to make it financially viable.
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AgustaWestland AW189 SAR Certified

Feb 01, 2015
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the search-and-rescue (SAR) variant of the AW189 super-medium helicopter, just months before the aircraft is due to enter service with Bristow on a U.K. government contract. The heavily modified variant builds on the oil-and-gas industry variant already in service with a number of operators in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with an extended nose housing a weather radar and electro-optical camera turret, a rescue hoist and additional avionics systems capabilities.
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Phenom 300 Options Converted by NetJets

Feb 01, 2015
Fractional ownership company NetJets has signed an agreement with Embraer Executive Jets to convert 10 purchase options for Signature Series Phenom 300s into firm orders, Embraer announced. Deliveries will begin in January 2016. At current list prices, the contract is worth $89.55 million, which will be included in the backlog from the fourth quarter of 2014. NetJets signed a purchase agreement with Embraer in October 2010 for 50 firm orders and 75 options. If all options are exercised, the deal would be worth more than $1 billion at list prices.
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NBAA Opposes Changes to Texas Leasing Rules

Feb 01, 2015
Proposed tax rule changes recently issued by the Texas state comptroller go beyond the plain meaning of the tax code in Texas, and seek to impose significant new burdens on aircraft owners and operators, the NBAA says. The rules would “significantly change the standards for creating aircraft ownership and operating structures [and] under the proposal, a new rule might determine when operators could qualify for the ‘sale or resale’ exemption through aircraft leasing,” according to the association.
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Empire Expands Fleet

Feb 01, 2015
Empire Aviation Group, a Dubai-based aviation services company, has added an Embraer Legacy 650 executive jet to its managed fleet based in Oman. The aircraft is being managed on behalf of the owner and longtime client, and will operate only from Oman, where Empire already manages three other business jets. Empire completed the full technical inspection, delivery and induction process of the Brazilian-made super mid-size business jet. The Legacy 650 offers three cabin zones with wireless inflight connectivity and Apple TV to enhance the passenger experience.
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AOPA Frustrated by DOT

Feb 01, 2015
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is becoming frustrated over the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) slow deliberations regarding an FAA recommendation — strongly endorsed by AOPA — to forgo the needs for a 3rd Class Medical certificate for private pilots. There is no such requirement for aviators operating under the Sport Pilot rule. In a Jan.
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Business Flying Up, ARGUS Reports

Feb 01, 2015
ARGUS International reports that when compared with the corresponding periods for the previous year, business aviation closed out 2014 posting an increase in activity for 13 months running. Flight activity was up 1.6% in December as compared to that same month a year earlier. The Cincinnati, Ohio-based consultancy predicts gains will continue in 2015.
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Textron Acquires Douglas Equipment

Feb 01, 2015
While many think Textron’s aviation business is all about things with wings, the company likes ramp rollers as well, and is expanding its reach there.
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Learjet 85 Program Paused by Bombardier

Feb 01, 2015
Bombardier announced Jan. 15 that it is pausing its long-delayed Learjet 85 jet program because of weak market demand for the aircraft and a downward revision in the company’s market forecast. As a result, Bombardier will reduce its workforce by about 1,000 employees in Wichita and Queretaro, Mexico. The move reflects continued weakness in the light aircraft category, the company said. With continued delays, analysts had questioned the program’s fate.

Point of Law

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What Is ‘Careless or Reckless?’

Feb 01, 2015
Quote from a 1986 enforcement case: “As Hogan Air Flight 816 taxied on Taxiway ‘C’ and passed by the Guard ramp area, the cadets observed you abandon your position in the left seat, stand up, remove your trousers, slide the window open and expose your buttocks.”

On Duty

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News of promotions, appointments and honors (February 2015)

Feb 01, 2015
Airbus Corporate Jet Center, Toulouse, France, announced that Vincent Tchengang, formerly Airbus regional sales director covering airlines in Africa and the Indian Ocean, has joined the Airbus Corporate Jet Center (ACJC) as its new head of services sales. He will manage a team of sales directors dedicated to VIP services marketing worldwide, covering cabins, airframes and engines, and will be personally responsible for sales in Africa, Australia, Eastern Europe and South Asia.

20/Twenty

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Bombardier Learjet 60XR

Feb 01, 2015
A classic Learjet performer, the midsize 60XR offers the allure of scintillating climb performance and sleek ramp appeal. It boasts the largest cabin and longest range of any Learjet yet to reach production. But you’ll need nearly 5500 ft. of runway at sea level on a standard day.

Products & Services Previews

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Products & Services Previews

Feb 01, 2015
1. AOPA Offers Program on Forced Landing Survival Skills The AOPA has released a new video and printed guide to help pilots and passengers survive conditions following an aircraft forced landing. The program, “Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing,” covers best practices for general aviation flights that result in off-airport landings. It also reviews survival communications, preferred gear and offers advice for detection from rescuers. The video and 16-page guide cover the importance of flight plans and flight following, among other topics.

B&CA 50 Years Ago

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February 1965 News

Feb 01, 2015
Fan Jet Falcon orders now number 40 according to Pan Am Business Jets Division. First production model flew on New Year’s Day and has accumulated some 15 hr. at this time. Pan Am will receive two demonstrators plus four customer airplanes in May. FAA certification is also scheduled for May.